The format
BARBRI's Virginia page lists Day 1 as nine essays plus 10 multiple-choice questions on Virginia law, worth 60 percent of the score, and Day 2 as the 200-question MBE, worth 40 percent. A minimum score of 140 passes. Essay areas cover 13 topics, including contracts, criminal law, domestic relations, evidence, local government law, professional responsibility, real property, torts, the UCC, Virginia civil and criminal procedure, and wills, trusts and estates. It lists 2027 dates of February 23 and 24 and July 27 and 28, application costs of $1,250 in total ($575 for the bar application and $575 for character and fitness), an MPRE score of 85, a $175 laptop registration and a February filing deadline of December 15. Virginia accepts transferred MBE scores of 133 or more from the preceding three years. Confirm all of it with the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.
Why the state portion decides
Most national courses center on the MBE. Virginia's exam gives 60 percent to state content. A course that spends most of its hours on the MBE leaves the larger share of your score to a smaller share of the course.
What candidates say about the big three
One Virginia tutoring site says the major programs still offer Virginia outlines and lectures but that general essay advice fits the MEE better than Virginia essays, that they may not schedule enough time for Virginia law, and that essay grading can be inconsistent. That site sells a competing add-on called LexBar, so weigh it as an interested party. It is still a reasonable question to ask any provider: who grades your Virginia essays and are they Virginia lawyers?
How to choose
Ask BARBRI, Themis and Kaplan for a sample graded Virginia essay, how many Virginia essays you will write, and whether graders know Virginia law. If not satisfied, use released Virginia essays and add a Virginia-specific tutor for feedback.
Common questions
What score passes the Virginia bar?+
BARBRI's Virginia page lists a minimum score of 140. Confirm with the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.
How much is the Virginia state portion worth?+
BARBRI's page says Day 1 (nine essays plus 10 multiple-choice questions on Virginia law) is 60 percent of the score and the MBE is 40 percent.
Does Virginia accept MBE scores from another state?+
BARBRI's page lists MBE scores of 133 or more from the preceding three years. Check the Board's current rule.
What to do next
- 1
Ask for a graded Virginia essay sample.
- 2
Budget time for 13 essay areas.
- 3
Use released Virginia questions.